THE WAR OF ART by Steven Pressfield is the one book I probably gifted most in the last ten years, because it is on of the most important ones for me. Reading it for the first time was a revelation, and it had a huge influence on my work ethic and my creative process.

The book highlights the inner force called Resistance faced by artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyone else trying to break through (creative) barriers.

I think this book because it gives a face to something we all know and feel everyday. It gives an identity to the thing inside of us producing all our fears and worries and phantasies — and this is tremendously helpful! It’s easy to read, practical, and a legit kick in the ass.

LAST DANCE is a fascinating portrait of one of the sport's most iconic athletes and a celebrated team. It follows the Chicago Bulls' 1997-98 season from start to finish, as hey went for their sixth NBA title in eight seasons, and follows Michael Jordan's timeline from when he was an emerging star on his high school team to becoming a worldwide marketing force and cultural figure.

This is one of the best sport documentaries ever. Even if you are not a basketball fan, you should give it a try.

Michael Jordan was a true master of being present. This is what separated him from all the other talented athletes. His dedication and focus was unparalled, not only when it comes to basketball, but everything else in his life. When he was working, he was working. When he was recharging, he was recharging. This is masterfully shown in this stunning series, especially in the final episodes.

LOVE RITUALS is a fascinating documentary series for Arte, co-directed by our friend and PRESENT contributor Jascha Hannover.

Author and presenter Charlotte Roche travels to six countries (Kenya, Israel, Japan, Scotland, USA, and India) to discover and engage in different cultures’  rituals and traditions and to find out how love is lived, celebrated and ritualised.

How important is sex for love? How do you find your soulmate? Do you have to know something about your partner's finances to love? Is marriage important for love? Can you influence love through magic? And can fantasy help to better master love in reality?

Was genau war früher besser?
What exactly was better in the "good old days"?

This is book of great intelligence, wit and empathy by French author, philosopher and legend Michel Serres. He compares all things people like complain about in our times with how it actually was — and how insanely lucky we are to be alive right now!

It truly is a 'optimistischer Wutanfall' (love this) an optimistic tantrum. Angry but in a constructive, positive, forward-looking way.

Interesting and ultimately uplifting book. I would have loved to interview him for PRESENT but sadly Monsieur Serres passed away in June last year. We salute you!